Community News - Allen Temple

Health Education Ministry - Contra Costa County Resources

Resource	Description	Website	Phone Number	Address
Contra Costa County Resources Guide	The Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) mission is to care for and improve the health for all people in Contra Costa County with special attention to those who are most vulnerable to health problems.	https://www.crisis-center	Health Emergency Information Line - 211; Health Services General Information (925) 957-5400	1220 Morella Ave, Suite 200 Martinez, CA. 945553

Contra Costa Health Services	MISSION: Contra Costa is dedicated to providing public services which improve the quality of life of its residents and the economic viability of its businesses. VISION: It is recognized as a world-class service organization where innovation and partnerships merge to enable its residents to enjoy a safe, healthy and prosperous life.	https://www.contracosta.ca.gov	Emergency Information: 211 Contra Costa	Regional Medical Center - 1220 Morello Ave, Suite 200 Martinez, Ca. 94553.
	Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) provides quality health care to the public at many convenient locations. Services include Behavioral Health; EMS; Environmental Health; Hazardous Materials; Health Centers & Clinics; Health, Housing & Homeless; Health Plan -CCHP; Public Health Regional Medical Center	https://www.cchealth.org	Health Services General Information (925) 957-5400; Domestic Violence - Shelter and Crisis Counseling 1-888-215-5555; Mental Health (925) 646-2800; Senior Services 1-800-510-2020;	Health Centers & Clinics locations in Antioch; Bay Point; Brentwood; Concord; Martinez; Pittsburg; Richmond; San Pablo
Contra Costa Mental Health Services	Mental Health Crisis Services are available to anyone living in Contra Costa County that experiences a mental or emotional crisis. Services are available in person or over the phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.	https://www.cchealth.org	If you are experiencing a life-threatening, call 9-1-1 immediately. If you are experiencing a mental health or emotional crisis, call 24-hour access line at 1 (888) 678-7277 for mental health resources or the Contra Costa Crisis Center at (800) 833-2900 for 24-hour crisis support.	Psychiatric Emergency Services - Contra Costa Regional Medical Center (north side) 2500 Alhambra Ave, Martinez Behavioral Health Services Administrative Office is located at 1340 Arnold Drive Suite 200, Martinez, CA. 94553
Contra Costa Behavioral Health Services (CCBHS)	Behavioral Health Services: Contra Costa residents can access Alcohol and other Drugs Services by calling the Behavioral Health Access line which provides screenings for treatments & referral information to the general public. The Behavioral Health Access Line also provides referrals to prevention programs. Contra Costa Behavioral Health is in partnership with consumers, families, staff and community-based agencies to provide welcoming, integrated services for mental health, substance abuse, homelessness, and other needs that promote wellness, recovery and resiliency while respecting the complexity and diversity of the people we serve.	https://www.cchealth.org	1 (800) 846-1652	1340 Arnold Drive Suite 200, Martinez, CA. 94553
	Stand Against Domestic Violence (formerly Battered Women's Alternative) Provides emergency shelter, legal assistance, and a variety of other resources for victims of imitate partner violence.	https://www.cchealth.org	1 (888) 215-5555	Operated 24hours/day, with offices in Richmond, Concord and Antioch.
	Contra Costa Crisis Center: provides 24-hour suicide hotline; grief counseling programs; suicide prevention and more.	https://www.crisis-center.org	1 (800) 833-2900	Based in Walnut Creek
	Elder Abuse Prevention: Offers advice on elder abuse situations Monday - Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.	https://www.cchealth.org	1 (888) 545-SAFE or (510) 233-3427	Offices in Richmond
	Homeless Hotline: Referrals to homeless shelters in the East Bay, operated 24 hours/day	https://www.cchealth.org	1 (800) 808-6444
Alzheimer's Association - NorCal	The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia, by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.	https://www.alz.org-norcal	24/7 Hotline: 1 (800) 272-3900	Home Office: 225 N. Michigan Ave. Floor 17 Chicago, IL. 60601 With Chapters located in San Francisco; Berkeley; Lafayette; San Jose; San Rafael and Santa Rosa.
Contra Costa Health Services: COVID-19	All people age 12 or older can get vaccinated at a CCHS site even if they do not live or work in Contra Costa County, no appointment required. While all CCHS sites accept walk-ins without a previous appointment, people can also schedule an appointment online or by phone at 1 (833) 829-2626, Mondays through Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. There are vaccination services for Homebound people as well as Free Mobile vaccine Service.	https://www.coronavirus.cchealth.org	Multilingual Call Center Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.	Vaccine locations: Antioch, Bay Point, Brentwood, Concord, Martinez, Pittsburg, Richmond, San Pablo
	Get Tested: You can get tested at a state or CCHS site. You do not need a doctor’s note to schedule a test but must make an appointment for most sites. Covid-19 testing is offered at no cost, testing is confidential. Only people living and working in Contra Costa County will be tested at county-operated testing sites. Results will take 2-3 days and turnaround time cannot be guaranteed. Please note that masks are required at all COVID-19 testing sites	https://www.coronavirus.cchealth.org	Call 1 (833) 829-2626 to schedule appointment at any CCHS or State site.

Health Education Ministry - Hispanic Latino Latinx Resources

Resource Recurso	Description Descripción	Website Sitio Web	Telephone Teléfono	Address Dirección
La Clinica de la Raza Centro de Salud	The mission of La Clínica is to improve the quality of life of the diverse communities we serve by providing culturally appropriate, high quality, and accessible health care for all. La misión de La Clínica es mejorar la calidad de vida de las diversas comunidades.	https://laclinica.org	(510) 535-6400
Tiburcio Vasquez Centro de Salud	Dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of our community by providing accessible, high-quality health care. Dedicado a promover la salud y el bienestar de nuestra comunidad al brindar atención médica accesible y de alta calidad.	https://tvhc.org	(510) 471-5880
Domestic Abuse Abuso Doméstico	The Hotline: Cada contacto es personal. Algunas de las personas que nos contactan se identifican como sobrevivientes de abusos, algunas como amigos o familiares preocupados, otras como parejas abusivas que buscan transformarse a sí mismas. Si bien cada contacto es único, nuestros asesores se guían por la Política de Consentimiento y Etica de The Hotline y enfatizarán varios puntos clave durante su conversación.Su llamada es totalmente confidencial Amor es Respeto	https://espanol.thehotline.org	1(800)799-SAFE 1(800)799-7233 text LOVEIS to 22522
Help me Grow	Información gratuita y línea de ayuda de referencia para los bebés que usted ama. Podemos ayudarle a encontrar un grupo de juego, a explorar cuándo comenzará a caminar su bebé (¡o cuándo dejará de llorar!) o cómo prepararlo para la escuela. Help Me Grow puede responder a las preguntas cotidianas que tienen los padres acerca de sus niños desde el nacimiento hasta los 5 años. No hay preguntas demasiado grandes o demasiado pequeñas. Vea lo que los padres opinan sobre la ayuda que recibieron y escuche lo que nuestro personal le puede ofrecer.	https://alamedakids.org/es	1-888-510-1211
FREEdom Store Open for all from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.	It takes a barrio! A community development organization; taking on an approach and a way of seeing, gang impacted youth through an asset-based lens. We mirror the positive assets that attract young people to gangs; sense of belonging, protection, rites of passages, and meeting basic needs to provide spaces where youth can heal, thrive and self-actualize. ¡Se necesita un barrio! Una organización de desarrollo comunitario; adoptando un enfoque y una forma de ver a los jóvenes impactados por las pandillas a través de un lente basado en acciones positivas. Reflejamos enque atraen a los jóvenes a las pandillas; sentido de pertenencia, protección, ritos de iniciación y satisfacción de las necesidades básicas para proporcionar espacios donde los jóvenes puedan sanar, prosperar y auto-realizarse.	http://www.homiesempowerment.com	(510) 542-9993 (510) 776-3740 (510) 485-2224	7631 MacArthur Blvd. Oakland CA, 94605
Suicide Prevention Prevención del Suicidio	La Línea Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio es líder en la prevención del suicidio y la atención de crisis de salud mental.	https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/help-yourself/en-espanol/	1-888-628-9454 for Spanish
Centro para el control y la prevención de enfermedades	CDC 24/7: Salvamos vidas. Protegemos a la gente.	https://www.cdc.gov/Spanish/	1-800 CDC-INFO 1(800) 232-4636 TTY 888 232-6348
Ayuda para la salud mental	Si usted o alguien que conoce tiene una enfermedad mental, problemas emocionales o inquietudes sobre su salud mental, existen formas de obtener ayuda. Use estos recursospara encontrar ayuda para usted mismo, un amigo o un familiar. Si usted o alguien que usted conoce está en crisis y necesita ayuda inmediata, visite nuestra página de crisis.	https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/espanol/	1-866-615-6464 TTY: 1-301-443-8431

Health Education Ministry - Alameda County Senior Services Resources

Resource	Description	Website	Phone Number	Address
Alameda County Social Services: Adult and Aging Services	Abuse and Protection: Older Adult abuse and neglect; Domestic Violence; Area Agency on Aging; In-Home Supportive Services	http://www.alamedasocialservices.org	(510) 577-1900	6955 Foothill Blvd. Suite 143, Oakland, CA. 94605
Adult and Senior Services	For people looking for assistance and services for Adults and Seniors	http://www.acgov.org
Elder Abuse Reporting	Their goal is to provide the most up-to-date information identifying and reporting Elder Abuse, neglect and exploitation.	http://elder-abuseca.com	hotline: (866) 225-5277; (510) 577-3500	6955 Foothill Blvd. Floor 3, Oakland, CA. 94605
Alameda County Care Alliance - Public Health Institute	The Public Health Institute (PHI) leads and manages public health projects as a fiscal sponsor. They provide operational infrastructure and guidance to public health programs.	http://www.phi.org	(510) 285-5500: Fax: (610) 285-5501	555 12th Street Suite 290. Oakland, CA. 94607
Alameda County Care Alliance - Allen Temple	The ACCA Illness Care Program serves persons needing advanced illness care and their caregivers manage their spiritual, health, advance care planning, social and caregiving needs	https://www.allen-temple.org	(510) 544-8910	8501 International Blvd. Oakland, CA. 94601
Alzheimer's Association - NorCal	The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia, by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.	https://www.alz.org-norcal	24/7 Hotline: 1 (800) 272-3900	Home Office: 225 N. Michigan Ave. Floor 17 Chicago, IL. 60601 With Chapters located in San Francisco; Berkeley; Lafayette; San Jose; San Rafael and Santa Rosa
Alameda County Behavioral Health	Alameda County Behavioral Health Care Services (ACBHCS) - AB 1299. ACBHCS was established in accordance with the law to ensure that specialty mental health services, Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and treatment (EPSDT) for any individual under 21 years of age are covered under Medi-Cal. Most specifically those foster children who are placed outside of their county of jurisdiction, are able to access mental health services in a timely manner consistent with their individualized strengths and needs and the requirements of EPSDT program standards and requirements. The mission of ACBHCS is to maximize the recovery, resilience and wellness of all eligible Alameda Cunty residents who are experiencing a serious mental health, alcohol or drug concern.	https://www.acbhcs.org	Contact (800) 491-9099.	200 Embarcadero Cove Suite 400, Oakland, CA. 94606
	The Mental Health Services Act (MHSA), also known as Prop 63, was passed by California voters in 2004. MSHA is funded by a 1% tax on personal incomes above a million dollars and is designed to expand and transform California's county mental health systems. The MSHA includes five distinct funding streams: Community Services and Supports (CSS); Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI); Workforce Education and Training (WET); Capital Facilities and Technology (CFT); Innovative Programs (INN).	https://www.ACMHSA.org	In case of life-threatening emergency call 911; 24-hour Crisis Line: (800) 309-2131 or text "safe" to 20121 4 to 11 pm 7days a week; Parent Support Hotline; (800) 829-3777 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.	Contact ACMHSA Staff at (510) 567-8100; email: MHSA@acgov.org
	Housing Services. The Housing Services Office was established in 2007 through the MSHA. It was created as a result of broad public input on the importance of a person's living situation and home environment on their overall health and well-being.	https:// www.acbhcs.org	Housing Services Office: email: hso@acgov.org; Phone: (510) 567-8016; Fax: (877) 341- 5867	1900 Embarcadero Cove, Ste 206, Oakland, CA. 94606
	Substance Use Treatment: BHCS offers a high-quality continuum of substance use treatment and prevention resources that treat addiction and promote life-long recovery from alcohol and drugs. We recognize the devastating impact of addition in our community and for many of us, in the lives of those we love and care for. Our treatment services include specializations for Adolescents, and Adults, women, men, pregnant and post-partum women, and older Adults.	https:// www.acbhcs.org	For screening and referrals to any substance use level of care within our system, contact the 24/7 Substance Use Treatment & Referral Helpline 1 (844) 682-7215	200 Embarcadero Cove Suite 400, Oakland, CA. 94606
County of Alameda - Suicide prevention Program	Crisis Support Services of Alameda County, if you or someone you know is struggling with difficult life circumstances or uncomfortable thoughts and emotions we are here to help. You don’t need to be experiencing suicidal thoughts or feelings to call. Trained crisis intervention counselors are available to receive crisis calls and give supportive counseling 24 hours a day, every day. Translation is available in more that 140 languages. we also offer teletype (TDD) services for deaf and hearing-impaired individuals.	https://www.crisissupport.org	24-hour Crisis line 1 (800) 273-8255; Crisis Support Services of Alameda County, Ca 24-hour Crisis line 1 (800) 309-2131: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline; 1 (800) 273-8255
Suicide Prevention Information - Alameda Unified School District (AUSD)	According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), suicide is currently the third leading cause of death for youth and young adults aged 10 to 24 years. In light of that, we are providing this page for students, families, staff and community members who are looking for resources to help themselves or people they know who may be contemplating suicide. We encourage the AUSD community to share this page widely. AUSD's work on suicide prevention is part of its larger-scale fucus on student social-emotional health, including Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), Multi -Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and restorative practices.	https://www.alameda.k12.ca.us	Alameda County Crisis Support line: 1 (800) 309-2131; Alameda County crisis Support Text: Text SAFE to 20121; California Peer-Run warm Line: 1 (855) 845-7415; Suicide Prevention Hotline 98000 273-8255	Alameda Unified School District. 2060 Challenger Dr, Alameda, CA. 94501. Office hours Mon - Fri 8;00 am to 5:00 pm. (510) 337-7000
Public Protection - Alameda County	Domestic Violence Prevention & Support: For life threatening emergencies including fire and Paramedics, call 9-1-1; Need help 2-1-1 is a free non-emergency service for housing, health & human services info	https://www.acgov.org-public safety	For County assistance, please call (510) 208-9770 for a menu of County Agencies and Departments	County of Alameda Administration Building 1221 Oak Street, Suite 555, Oakland, CA. 94612;
The Alameda County Family Justice Center (ACFJC)	Family Justice Center: A one-stop center, with 30 onsite and over 50 offsite agencies and programs, for individuals and families experiencing Domestic Violence, Stalking, Sexual Assault and exploitation, Child Abuse, Child abduction Elder and dependent adult Abuse, and human trafficking. provides access to services countywide. Provides effective, comprehensive services to victims of interpersonal violence in a collaborative and coordinated way. Our ACFJC Client Navigators (on-site consultants) will link you to the services you request. The Center hours: Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm	https://www.acfjc.org		Alameda County Family Justice Center - 470 27th Street Oakland, Ca. 94612

Health Education Ministry - San Francisco County Services

Resource	Description	Website	Phone Number	Address
San Francisco Department of Public Health - Various Services	The San Francisco Department of Public Health strives to achieve is mission through the work of two divisions. The San Francisco Health Network and Population Health and Prevention. The SF Health Network is the City's health system with locations throughout the city. The Population Health and Prevention Division has a broad focus on the communities of San Francisco and is comprised of the Community Health and Safety Branch, Community Health Promotion and Prevention Branch and the Community Health Services Branch.	https://sfdph.org	San Francisco General Hospital (415) 206-8000; San Francisco City Clinic (415) 487-5500	Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital & Trauma Center: 1001 Potrero Ave, San Francisco, CA 94110; San Francisco City Clinic: 356 7th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103; SFDPH Administration 101 Grove St. San Francisco, CA. 94102
San Francisco Health Service System (SFHSS)	SFHSS includes City and County of SF Employees; Municipal Executive Employees; SF Unified School District employees; City College of SF Employees; Retirees; Superior Court of SF Employees. It's membership's rich diversity requires them to design and influence the delivery of healthcare services in ways that meet their unique needs	https://wwwsfhss.org	SFHSS Member Services Main (628) 652-4700 Toll-free: (800) 541-2266; SFHSS Wellness Center Main: (628) 652-4650	SFHSS Mailing Address 1145 Market Street, Suite 300 San Francisco, CA. 94103
Alzheimer's Association - NorCal	The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia, by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.	https://www.alz.org-norcal	24/7 Hotline: (800) 272-3900	Home Office: 225 N. Michigan Ave. Floor 17 Chicago, IL. 60601 With Chapters located in San Francisco; Berkeley; Lafayette; San Jose; San Rafael and Santa Rosa
San Francisco County California Elder Abuse, Neglect, Financial Exploitation Reporting: Senior Services	Adult Protective Services: A Confidential report can be made by anyone if they know or suspect that an elderly person or adult with a disability who lives in San Francisco is being abused. The 24 - hour hotline is staffed by social workers who respond to calls and ask a series of questions to determine if an emergency response is required.	https://elder-abuseca.com	Toll Free 24hr Hotline: (800) 814-0009. 24hr Hotline: (415) 355-6700 Fax: (415) 355-3549. In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) (415) 355-6700	San Francisco Department of Aging & Adult Services. 1650 Mission St. 4th Floor San Francisco, CA. 94103
Resources and links - Mental Health Board of San Francisco	If you are in need of mental Health Services and you live in San Francisco, you can call 24 hours. You should be able to see a counselor within 48 hours.	https://www.mhbsf.org	(415) 255-3737, or (888) 246-3333, any time day or night
	If you or a loved one are in crisis, you can call the Mobile Crisis treatment Team. They can talk to you or visit you in your home. They are available Monday through Friday from 11 am - 11 pm, or weekends, 12 noon - 7 pm	https://www.mhbsf.org	(415) 355-8300
San Francisco Behavioral Health Resources Guide		https://www.mhbsf.org	24 Hour Crisis Services: San Francisco General Hospital Psychiatric Emergency: (628) 206-8125
		https://www.mhbsf.org	Comprehensive Child Crisis Services: (510) 970-3800
		https://www.mhbsf.org	Suicide Prevention Talk line: (415) 781-0500
		https://www.mhbsf.org	McMillian Center drop-in: (415) 241-1180
National Alliance on Mental Illness -- San Francisco		https://www.namisf.org	(415) 905-6264
Mental health and substance use resources - San Francisco - City and County of San Francisco	If you have a medical or psychiatric emergency	https://sf.gov	Call 911 if unable to call you can text 911 24-hour suicide hotline call (415) 781-0500 or live chat at sfsuicide.org
Urgent Care for Mental Health issues - San Francisco		https://sf.gov	(415) 553-3100	Dore Urgent Care: 52 Dore Street, S.F. CA open 24 hours 7 days a week
		https://sf.gov	(415) 355-0311. Monday to Friday 8 am to 6 pm, Saturday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm	Westside Crisis: 245 11th Street, S.F., CA.
Mental Health services for young adults aged 18 -to 24		https://sf.gov	(415) 642-4525 Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Substance use relapse line		https://sf.gov	(415) 834-1144
Mental health and substance use services for individuals experiencing homelessness		https://sf.gov	(415) 234-3707. Monday to Friday 10 am to 8 pm
Mental health talk line	Peer-run mental health talk line	https://sf.gov	(855) 845-7415 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Crisis text line	Connect with a crisis counselor	https://sf.gov	text the word "home" to 741741
Comprehensive Crisis Services	Offers assistance to people in crisis including assessments and crisis interventions	https://sf.gov	(415) 970-3800 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Emergency Psychiatric Services		https://sf.gov	(628) 206-8125	Zuckerberg San Francisco General 1001 Potrero Ave, S.F.
Access to Mental Health and Substance use Disorder Services		https://sf.gov	24-hour access line call (888) 246-3333 TDD: 888-484-7200. Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. For General Information and appointments, call (415) 503-4730	Behavioral Health Access Center (BHAC) 1380 Howard Street, 1st Floor (at 10th Street) San Francisco, CA. 94103
Coronavirus Disease - San Francisco, CA	Find out about your Covid-19 resting options - San Francisco. Tests at City-run sites are free to you. If you have insurance, we will bill your provider. You do not need a doctor's note to schedule a test	https://sf.gov		See map of free & paid sites: Bayview 1800 Oakdale Ave, S.F. CA; Carbon Health - Castro Clinic 1998 Market St. S.F., CA hours 9 am to 7 pm must be a Carbon Health Patient; Chinese Hospital Testing Site. 845 Jackson Street, S. F. Ca. hours 11:30 am to 12:30 pm Monday - Saturday except public holidays
	Get tested - San Francisco. Because you have Covid-19 symptoms, you should get tested. Do not go to work. Tell your manager you need to stay home. Isolate yourself at home until you get your test results. If your test is negative, stay home until you have no more symptoms for at least 3 days. We will let the Human Resources (HR) lead for your department know that you should not go to work.	https://sf.gov	If you have questions call the Nurse Triage line at (855) 850-2249	Various locations, verify testing center info before going. I.E. Southeast Health Center Clinic - 2401 Keith St. S.F. CA.; WorkSiteLabs - Medical Laboratory 261 Loomis St. S.F. CA; Zuckerberg S f General Hospital & Trauma Center. 1001 Potrero Ave, S.F. CA.
Department of Public Health – San Francisco	The San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) established Gender Health SF to provide access to gender-affirming surgeries, education, and preparation services to eligible uninsured and publicly insured transgender, nonbinary, and intersex residents. SFDPH currently offers a range of health services to transgender, nonbinary, and intersex residents such as primary care, prevention, behavioral health, hormone therapy, specialty and inpatient care. Its mission is to increase access to quality gender affirming health care for underserved transgender and non-binary people in San Francisco, regardless of immigration status and/or level of income.	https://www.sfdph.org/ourprograms	1 (628) 206-7979 Fax: (629) 206-7999
Department of Public Health – San Francisco	Transgender Health Services	https://www.sfdph.org/ourprograms	1 (415) 355-7513 For other Physical Transition Resources Contact Cecily Crosby for details and appointments (415) 666-1115	1320 Webster St. Oakland, CA. 94612

Life ElderCare Services for Alameda County Residents Age 60+

LIFE ElderCares Health Forward program

LYFE Young Adult February 2021 Devotional

L.Y.F.E. is...

Blessings and greetings L.Y.F.E. family!
Welcome to another edition of “L.Y.F.E. is…”!
We hope and pray that your hearts are encouraged and that you are blessed by this devotional!

The History of Black History Month

But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream! (Amos 5:24 NIV)

It’s February and as we all well know-It’s Black History Month! It is in this month that we set aside time to reflect on the history and contributions of Black people, that African Americans have made to the larger society and larger culture of this country. Since this celebration is a time of reflection on the history of African Americans, in part; it is fitting to understand the history of the celebration itself.

The story of Black History Month begins in September 1915, when Dr. Carter G. Woodson, Harvard trained historian and distinguished clergy Jesse E. Moorland founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History(ASNLH). This organization was dedicated to researching and promoting the achievements of Black Americans and those of African descent. But it wasn’t until 1926, when the ASNLH sponsored the first National Negro Week. This week long event was held on the 2nd week of February, coinciding with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas. National Negro Week inspired schools, communities, and organizations to organize celebrations, host performances, and lectures across the country in honor of Black Americans. In the decades that followed, National Negro Week was being recognized by many major cities in this country. In 1976, 50 years later, then President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month urging this country to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

While celebrating the achievements of African Americans is essential; recognizing and acknowledging the presence of God in Black History is equally important. Our ancestors were people who believed in their freedom as people of God. They held fast the faith that the God of freedom, through the birth, life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the liberator and emancipator, had provided a journey of hope to be free for African Americans. It is God’s will for all humanity, specifically Black people and those of African descent, to be free of oppression and inhumane treatment. Even today, God still helps us in our struggle against racism, social and economic injustice, negative effects of capitalism, and all opposing forces that would impede African Americans from achieving all that which God has created us to reach.

Thus, we honor Black History past, Black History in the making, and Black History future!

Let us pray.

God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, Thou who hast brought us thus far on the way. LORD, we thank You for blessing us to see and celebrate another Black History Month, even in the midst of a pandemic. O GOD, we ask a special blessing upon our ancestors who worked, struggled, and fought tirelessly and fearlessly for equalities not just for themselves but for generations that they could not see. And LORD, we remember the struggles of our people, Black people, people of African descent, Your people. Thank You for Your grace, mercy, and Your love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

GOD bless and love you all!

Reverend Will Brown

Global Ministries Puts Spotlight on Hunger and Education for MLK Day

Global Missions Global Ministries is celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr Day by helping to repair a flooded nursery at W.W. Brown Memorial Baptist Church in Soweto, South Africa. Recent rains flooded the nursery school building rendering the classrooms and kitchen uninhabitable by the 40 or so children who attend the nursery, Monday through Friday. Not only do the children receive daily instruction but, the nursery also provides at least one hot meal daily. Because of the current food shortages in the community caused by the pandemic, these daily hot meals for the children are more critical than ever. Once the repairs are completed, instruction will resume and the children will once again receive daily hot meals.

Dr. King not only advocated for civil rights but he was also an advocate for social justice around the world. It is important to remember his effort to end hunger. King spoke and wrote extensively on the importance of ensuring everyone had access to three meals a day. He believed that ensuring this basic need was met, was a vital component of achieving equality among all people.

King articulated this belief best when he received his Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. He said, “I have the audacity to believe that people everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education, and culture for their minds, and dignity, equality and freedom for their spirits.” Given that poverty and hunger have statistically been shown to adversely affect everything from performance in school to decreasing productivity at work it is unsurprising the this would be a necessary component of achieving equality among all people. Global Ministries celebrates MLK and supports W.W. Brown Church in its efforts to continue educating and feeding children.

Allen Temple Baptist Church was organized in 1919 in Oakland. For 100 years, Allen Temple has served as a bright beacon of faith, hope, and love beyond its’ four walls. Allen Temple is committed to sharing the love of God and the message of Good News throughout the world. We welcome people of all ages and cultural backgrounds as we joyfully celebrate worship and fellowship, and carry out ministries of evangelism, discipleship, education, community outreach, and global missions. Allen Temple’s holistic, prophetic and social justice ministries address the needs of the whole person as well as the whole community. Dr. Jacqueline A. Thompson is Senior Pastor, and Dr. J. Alfred Smith, Sr. is Pastor Emeritus. For more information about Allen Temple and its’ almost 100 ministries, visit Allen-Temple.org.

Rev. Theophous H. Reagans, Esq., Allen Temple Baptist Church, Global Ministries